University of Guam Research Associate Ferdinand Galsim picks up a bunch of fallen bananas following Typhoon Sinlaku in April 2026. (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)
In the wake of Typhoon Sinlaku, the UOG Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free soil-testing services and soil analysis for farmers for the months of June and July.
The impact of a storm on agricultural fields is not just with the immediate devastation to the field and reduced harvest, but also with reduced soil productivity in the longer term, said Christianah Oladoye, the soil scientist at UOG. The months following a storm is a critical time to assess soil conditions and take measures to maintain and improve future crop yields.
The Soil Lab crew will visit farmers’ fields, take soil samples, and then make crop-specific recommendations. Farmers can then use the results to better understand their soils and make more informed decisions for the coming growing seasons.
“Our goal is to stand alongside farmers during recovery by offering tools and knowledge that can help rebuild their productivity and strengthen long-term sustainability,” Oladoye said.
Any farmers who can provide their bonafide farmer certification from the Guam Department of Agriculture are invited to sign up. The service will be free of charge for June and July, after which the regular soil testing rates will apply, which can be found at https://www.uog.edu/landgrant/services/soil-analysis.
To arrange a time for soil sampling, contact the Agriculture & Natural Resources office under the UOG Land Grant Extension Service from 8 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. For any questions, email Dr. Christianah Oladoye at oladoyec@triton.uog.edu or contact Ms. Megumi Hikichi-Tyquiengco at (671) 735-2080 or in the UOG Agriculture & Life Science Building, Room 105.
(Photo courtesy of University of Guam)
